Important Fire Safety tips

• In case of a fire, immediately call the Fire Brigade, and never assume somebody has already done so.

• When you notice a fire, activate your building’s fire alarms and shout out, “FIRE” at the top of your voice to alert others. Do not yell anything else: it could cause others to take longer to realize the seriousness of the situation

• Never get into a lift when there’s a fire – use the stairs

• When caught in smoke, cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth

• If you’re caught in a room with smoke and can’t find a way out, close the door and seal all cracks with wet towels or sheets. This will prevent smoke from entering the room

• If your building is on fire, unless you are trapped, get out, stay out and call the fire service immediately

• Invest in a smoke alarm for your home or office. Prevention is always better than cure.

• Ensure everything from smoke alarms, fire alarms and the public address system, to water hydrants and fire extinguishers in your building are in working condition

• Check the date on the fire extinguisher near you. Ensure it has been serviced and refilled on time

• Take a little time out to learn how to use a fire extinguisher and when to use one

• Make sure that your building’s association or committee organizes fire drills once every 6 months. Confirm whether there is a designated safe assembly area in your building

• If your clothes catch fire, do not run. This will fan the flames. Lie down and roll around. Smother the flames with heavy material, like a blanket or a coat

• If you are not trained in emergency and fire safety, do not shout instructions to those trapped. You may confuse and mislead them, and it may cost a life